Man City’s £120M Bid for Elliot Anderson Rejected — and United Won’t Step In

The battle for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson is escalating fast — but it appears to be a one-team race. According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are pushing to accelerate negotiations for the 22-year-old, and despite recent speculation, Manchester United are not expected to make a late move to hijack the deal.

Anderson has reportedly made it clear he wants to join City, regardless of who is in the dugout. That’s a significant statement given Pep Guardiola’s uncertain future at the Etihad. The club is currently in the middle of a managerial transition, but sources indicate that hasn’t cooled Anderson’s interest in wearing sky blue.

Why Forest Keep Saying No

Nottingham Forest have already knocked back two offers from City. The latest proposal was worth north of £120 million — £106 million guaranteed with another £15 million in performance-based add-ons. That’s a massive sum for a player who only broke into the Premier League spotlight last season, but Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is playing hardball.

Marinakis has built a reputation as a tough negotiator, and he’s reportedly holding out for a package in the region of £130 million. If that number is met, Anderson would become the third most expensive signing in soccer history — trailing only Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. That kind of price tag for a player still early in his career would represent a major gamble for any club.

The United Factor

City supporters can breathe easy on one front: Manchester United are not expected to swoop in. While the Red Devils have been linked with midfield reinforcements throughout the summer, the club’s hierarchy has not shown serious interest in entering a bidding war for Anderson. That leaves the path clear for City — provided they can meet Forest’s demands.

Romano reports that talks are ongoing and could accelerate in the coming days. The next 48 to 72 hours could be crucial as City weigh whether to push their offer over the £130 million threshold or walk away.

For now, Anderson remains a Forest player. But if City is serious about landing its next midfield cornerstone, the checkbook is going to have to come out — and it’s going to have to open wider than it ever has before.